COMMENTS:Highway
actually goes through the site - check to see if the pass is open.REMAINS:Many buildings and structures - a great
site to visit.

At over 10,900 feet, this town couldn't last long.
Snow from October through May would make sure of it. The Independence
lode was discovered on July 4, 1879 and soon after a town of 300 sprang
up. By 1882, there were 1500 residents and over 40 businesses. Known by
other names also, Chipeta, Mammouth City, Mount Hope, Farwell and Sparkill,
Independence only produced about $190,000 in ore and was a ghost town
by 1890. Nearby Aspen attracted the people and became the county seat.